Method and apparatus for providing signal functionality

Abstract

A control circuit is adapted to receive a plurality of signals, each of the plurality of signals adapted to perform a separate respective function, and to combine the plurality of signals into a single signal adapted to perform each of the separate respective functions. For example, a device having a first type of processor is adapted to produce a plurality of signals, wherein each of the plurality of signals is produced for a different purpose, and having a circuit adapted to combine the plurality of signals into a single signal adapted to accomplish each different purpose. A coupling device is adapted to connect the device to another device, the coupling device having a connector adapted to receive the single signal but not the plurality of signals.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A circuit, comprising: 
 a control circuit adapted to receive a plurality of signals, each of the plurality of signals adapted to perform a separate respective function, and to combine the plurality of signals into a single signal adapted to perform each of the separate respective functions.    
     
     
         2 . The circuit, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the control circuit comprises a logic gate adapted to receive the plurality of signals and to combine the plurality of signals into the single signal.  
     
     
         3 . The circuit, as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the logic gate comprises an AND gate.  
     
     
         4 . The circuit, as set forth in  claim 1 , comprising an integrated circuit adapted to produce the plurality of signals.  
     
     
         5 . The circuit, as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein the integrated circuit comprises a processor.  
     
     
         6 . The circuit, as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein the processor comprises one of an Intel PXA250 and PXA255 microprocessor.  
     
     
         7 . The circuit, as set forth in  claim 1 , comprising a connector adapted to receive the single signal.  
     
     
         8 . A system comprising: 
 a device having a first type of processor adapted to produce a plurality of signals, wherein each of the plurality of signals is produced for a different purpose, and having a circuit adapted to combine the plurality of signals into a single signal adapted to accomplish each different purpose; and    a coupling device adapted to connect the device to another device, the coupling device having a connector adapted to receive the single signal but not the plurality of signals.    
     
     
         9 . The system, as set forth in  claim 8 , wherein the device comprises a portable device.  
     
     
         10 . The system, as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein the portable device comprises a pocket PC.  
     
     
         11 . The system, as set forth in  claim 8 , wherein the coupling device comprises a docking station.  
     
     
         12 . The system, as set forth in  claim 8 , wherein the docking station is adapted to be coupled to another portable device having second type of processor.  
     
     
         13 . The system, as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the first type of processor comprises one of an Intel PXA250 and PXA255 microprocessor, and wherein the second type of processor comprises an Intel SA-1110 microprocessor.  
     
     
         14 . A method of coupling a first device to a second device, wherein the first device generates a plurality of signals to perform a plurality of functions, and wherein the second device is adapted to receive a single signal to perform the plurality of functions, the method comprising: 
 combining a plurality of signals adapted to perform a plurality of functions into a single signal adapted to perform the plurality of functions; and    delivering the single signal from the first device to the second device.    
     
     
         15 . The method, as set forth in  claim 14 , wherein combining comprises transmitting the plurality of signals to a logic circuit, wherein the logic circuit generates the single signal.